Isiukwuato Lawmaker, Lucky Johnson Dumps PDP for Labour Party Amid Speculations of Governor Otti’s Defection to APC | #NwokeukwuMascot

 Politics 

Hon. Lucky Udoka Nweke Johnson, the lawmaker representing Isiukwuato State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the Labour Party (LP), citing deep divisions within the PDP.

In a letter dated March 18, 2025, and addressed to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, Johnson stated that his defection was driven by political polarization within the PDP from the national to state levels. He also attributed his move to his admiration for the “sterling performance” of Governor Alex Otti, noting that he had consulted with his constituents before making the decision.

However, Johnson’s defection has triggered significant backlash, with three key members of his political team resigning in protest.

His Chief of Staff, High Chief Okechukwu Okorie, who also serves as the PDP Chairman of Isiukwuato Local Government Area and the Chairman of all PDP LG Chairmen (CofC), tendered his resignation on March 25, 2025.

In his resignation letter, Okorie stated that he could not continue serving under Johnson due to political differences. He reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and emphasized that his role as a party leader carried significant responsibility, which required him to remain loyal to the party’s ideology.

“After much reflection and consideration, I have come to the conclusion that the political direction you have currently headed does not align with my personal values and principles as a committed member of the PDP,” Okorie wrote.

He acknowledged his contributions while serving as Johnson’s Chief of Staff but maintained that his priority was the growth and success of the PDP.

Adding to the fallout, Hon. Agbaeze Chinonso C., Johnson’s Director of Media and Publicity, also resigned in protest of the lawmaker’s defection.

In his resignation letter, Chinonso stated that as the PDP Youth Leader for Isiukwuato LGA, his party’s constitution and principles of internal democracy, discipline, and loyalty were at odds with Johnson’s decision to join the Labour Party.

“Your recent defection from the PDP to the Labour Party has created a conflict of interest for me. As a politician, I must prioritize my commitment to my party and its principles,” Chinonso wrote.

Despite resigning, he expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve in Johnson’s organization and wished him success in his political endeavors.

Further deepening the crisis, Mrs. Blessing Uzoigwe, the Deputy Women Leader of the Lucky Johnson Cares Foundation, also resigned in response to Johnson’s defection.

In her resignation letter dated March 26, 2025, Uzoigwe stated that she could no longer remain in the foundation due to the lawmaker’s shift in political allegiance.

“This decision stems from the fact that the political direction Hon. Lucky Johnson has taken does not align with my principles as a committed PDP member from Uturu in Isiukwuato LGA,” she wrote.

She reaffirmed her loyalty to the PDP and wished Johnson well in his new party.

Johnson’s defection, along with the resignations of his key aides, comes amid growing speculation that Governor Alex Otti may be planning to defect from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The political uncertainty in Abia State has fueled intense discussions about the future of the Labour Party and potential realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

As tensions rise, political observers are closely monitoring how these developments will shape the state’s political landscape, particularly within the PDP, which appears determined to consolidate its ranks in response to the defections.

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